09-05-2017 Park Commission Packet

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Orono Park Commission Workshop Notes 1 pm, August 7, 2017 Orono City Hall Attendees: Orono Park Commissioners Jan Berg Brenda Johnson Bryce Johnson Rick Meyers Brian Roath Julie Ruegemer Natalie Williams Rick Carter - Alternate Beth Davis - Alternate Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director David Gorman, Supervisor for Streets, Storm Sewer and Parks Comprehensive Plan Jeremy Barnhart led a discussion on the Parks, Open Spaces and Trails section of the Comprehensive Plan. He noted that most of the background information and philosophy from the prior plan is still valid and that there have not been changes that would require a major rewrite of the section. There was some discussion about how the Comprehensive Plan is used as a guide when events impacting open space, parks and trails arise. It was also noted that in the previous Plan this entire section was written in the absence of a Park Commission, so this would be the first opportunity for this new Commission to participate. With this in mind, Park Commissioners agreed to the following schedule for input: September — Each Commissioner to READ the plan section, prepare questions, assignments etc. and report at the September 5`h Park Commission meeting. October - Park Commission Workshop to be dedicated to providing plan input November - Report from October Workshop with formal recomendations and actions to be made at the Park Commission monthly meeting. Saga Hill Nature Area The Workshop was joined by a member of the public, John Palmer, whose father had been instrumental in the formation of Saga Hill Park and who himself has lived in the area for many years. D1 Gorman reported on progress at Saga Hill Nature Area. Clearing has been done in the center of the park and this will be followed by burning and planting in the spring. Any additional tree removal will be done by the Orono Public Works Department. Traffic control gates are to be installed this coming week and two signs that have already been received will soon be put up. In response to a question about the ground cover in the center of the park, DJ indicated that it was a Minnesota Native Savannah mix and that more information could be obtained from the contractor, Minnesota Native Landscape. Approximately $25,000 of the $29,000 budget has been spent thus far. After additional discussion Park Commissioners expressed support for the following: • Widen the walking trail that connects the main loop to Garden Court to at least 6 feet.